Executive Business Manager

We are looking for a highly experienced, strategic and customer focused individual, able to work with autonomy and independence to lead a number of business services across a cluster of United Learning Academies – currently, Manchester Academy, Stockport Academy and William Hulme’s Grammar School.

In all likelihood, you will already have experience of leading and coordinating the delivery of business support services in a number of schools or similar complex environment, and will be familiar with strategic planning and decision-making, professional relationship management, negotiating and influencing at Senior Leadership, Governing Body and Board level and the effective and efficient management of all resources.

The post-holder will provide overall leadership and some line management to the business support functions in each Academy, developing high performing and motivated business support teams, with a focus on the education outcomes and strategic vision of each Academy.  They will also be responsible for developing shared working practices and promoting the benefits of best practice across the Greater Manchester Cluster.

They will actively promote and model the values of United Learning and our Framework for Excellence, whilst endorsing and celebrating the distinct culture and ethos of each Academy. They will have the highest regard for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of staff, children and young people.

Reporting to the Executive Principal, they will be a member of each Academy Senior Leadership Team, and the Cluster Senior Leadership Team and will contribute fully to Academy Development Plans and the 5-year strategic planning cycle across the Cluster.

A key part of this role will be the development of the Cluster business services model in line with the United Learning priorities around growth and cluster working. The post holder will be instrumental in shaping the offer to both Secondary and Primary Academies.

In addition, the post holder will be responsible for managing the relationship with United Learning central services to ensure that these functions provide value added support and advice to the Cluster in a timely and professional way.

This is a school-based role with a contractual base in one of the three secondary Academies in Greater Manchester.  There is an expectation you will divide your time between each school in the Cluster as required and appropriate.

Your application should explain your suitability for the role described above and in the Job Description, and should be tailored to meet the Person Specification in terms of your knowledge, experience, skills, qualities and qualifications.

United Learning has schools throughout the country with a focus on the tight geographical cluster of schools. United Learning is a large and growing group of schools, which aims to provide a life changing education to children and young people across England.

This is a challenging and diverse role offering the opportunity to shape the development of the business offer to our schools in Greater Manchester, leading and developing teams of skilled and qualified business support staff and making a tangible impact on the lives of young people.

In return, you will receive first-class development, a dynamic working environment, a range of employee benefits and a competitive salary.

If you would like an informal discussion about this role, please contact Dawn Boyes, Head of Finance Business Partnering at dawn.boyes@unitedlearning.org.uk